The aging baby boomer generation and the growing demand for senior care
From post-war baby boom to today's senior care boom
After the Great Depression and World War II, birth rates in the United States soared during the post-war economic expansion. This generation, known as the baby boomers, was born between 1946 and 19641,2. Today, the oldest boomers are approaching 78 years of age, while the youngest are nearing 60. Nearly two-thirds of this generation are already eligible for Medicare or will be within the next few years.
The post-war baby boom has evolved into today's senior boom. As baby boomers age, the demand for high-quality senior healthcare grows at a historic pace. This rising demand is straining a healthcare system already challenged by provider shortages, staff burnout, and rising costs.
The numbers tell the story: A rapidly aging population
According to 2020 Census data, approximately 76.4 million baby boomers live in the United States today1,2. The population of Americans aged 65 and older increased by 38 percent between 2010 and 2020, with projections showing a rise to 80.8 million seniors by 20403. Even more striking, the number of individuals aged 85 and older is expected to more than double by 20403.
In 2024 alone, around 12,000 Americans will turn 65 every day4. By 2030, every baby boomer will be 65 or older, meaning one in five Americans will be a senior citizen3.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2004a,2004b, 2004c)
The shift is monumental. Not only are more people living longer, but healthcare spending is climbing alongside these trends. Studies show that aging could account for about 20 percent of healthcare spending growth by 20255.
Challenges ahead: A strained healthcare system
The rapid aging of the population presents several challenges for healthcare providers:
- Provider shortages: There are not enough doctors accepting Medicare, and early retirements have accelerated since the COVID-19 pandemic6.
- Healthcare consolidation: Fewer independent practices mean fewer access points for seniors seeking care.
- Reduced personalization: Seniors often require face-to-face communication, but staffing cuts and reliance on electronic systems have reduced these vital human touchpoints.
- Suboptimal use of technology: While innovation has expanded, many systems are not fully optimized to serve aging patients effectively.
Remote care solutions must balance the efficiency of technology with the necessity of personal connection, especially for older patients who value human interaction.
Remote Care Management: Meeting the growing demand
Hope lies in innovation. Remote care management offers healthcare organizations a way to provide high-quality, personalized care to seniors by blending smart technology with dedicated staffing.
Sources:
- The Older Population: 2020
- Resident population in the United States in 2023, by generation
- The Older Population: 2020, 2020 Census Briefs
- Baby Boomers Are Hitting Peak 65. What It Means For Retirement Planning.
- How heavy is the medical expense burden among the older adults and what are the contributing factors? A literature review and problem-based analysis
- Career Plans of US Physicians After the First 2 Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic
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